Mikel Arteta has appeared to blame Arsenal’s hectic schedule for their loss to Newcastle United last night, claiming his players were tired.
At the start of this season, the Gunners were competing for four trophies and have only just been eliminated from all domestic cup competitions. This has meant they are constantly playing games, with some weeks seeing them in action up to three times.
The strain of such a demanding schedule has not been easy for Arsenal to handle. Several key players have been sidelined with injuries as the season has progressed, and fatigue has started to take its toll.
At the weekend, Arsenal secured a massive 5-1 victory over Manchester City, a result that was expected to give them a significant boost ahead of their match against Newcastle United. However, the energy from that win never seemed to carry over, and Arteta seems to suggest that it was the sheer number of matches played that contributed to their poor performance.
After the fixture, Arteta was asked if the hectic schedule had played a role in their disappointing display. He responded via Arsenal Media:
“I wouldn’t like [to say that]. Especially when we lose a game, physically we were tired and you know we played so many games, we played so many games every three days, and we knew that this was going to be a really high-intensity one. I think emotionally as well, it was a very different game that we needed to get there to believe right until the end that we could do it, and before that the game got away from us.”
While Arteta’s comments reflect the challenges faced by his team, it’s important to note that Arsenal are not the only club with a hectic schedule. Every top club in Europe faces similar demands, and the idea of fatigue should not serve as an excuse for poor performances. For a team with aspirations of winning major trophies, there is an expectation to manage these challenges and maintain a high level of performance throughout the season.
ADMIN COMMENT
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🤡
It didn’t come across as a particular excuse in the text, just words. However, Arteta chose to leave substitutions rather late on Sunday when the match was won, so raising the subject of the number of games being played wasn’t wise imo
First it was the football … and now the schedule. Well, at least he didn’t blame the dog…
It didn’t live up to its name unfortunately
SueP,
I’ve mentioned it in a previous posts, has anyone noticed the irony in the club dogs name.
But unfortunately this isn’t the only gimmick that this club has become under this manager.🤷♂️
What a surprise. Arteta making more excuses. Just admit you was beaten by the better team over 2 legs. Why is it so hard.
He would wouldn’t he? Has Liverpool got a more hectic season? Thats football and if you want to be successful, you find a way. It had nothing to do with Newcastle having a striker and we having, no striker? Deluded.
It always makes me laugh when a manager comes out and says the schedule has been a lot, but I’m not using it as an excuse.
Well you are, because the fact you even mention it is an excuse in itself.
The same thing can be said in other instances as well.
And unfortunately, we have a manager who has a 101 excuses after games that go awry. But never holds himself to account for anything.
And sadly, it appears that there are some fans out there who won’t hold him to account either.🤷♂️
Hectic it may be, but Arteta adds to the problem by giving limited game time to players who he was instrumental in buying like Merino ,Calafiori,Zinchenko and Kwior and by leaving a fine LB to warn a bench.His lack of trust has rebounded on him and perhaps our owners will reflect and be less trusting of him to spend their money in future windows.
Grandad,
I’ve got to say that I really enjoy reading your posts. There both informative and well written piece’s. Keep up the good work. 😉👍